Nemaha County Jail Project

Project Information

The current, linear-style jail was built in 1978. With five cells
coming off of an L-shaped hallway, it was built to hold 12 inmates.

But the average number of inmates has been steadily increasing,
going from an average of eight per day six years ago to 12 now.

Additional bunks were added in recent years, allowing the jail to
accommodate 15 inmates if necessary.

The current jail requires direct supervision by jailers, which
means the jailers have to check on all cells in person multiple
times a day, something Vernon characterizes as a security risk for
those employees.

Plans for the new jail would not only provide increased size, but
also increased security for prisoners and jail employees.

The new, 15,000 square foot addition would be built directly west
of, and still attached to, the current jail, Nemaha County Sheriff’s
Department offices and the County Courthouse.

The proposed addition is designed with 15 cells accommodating up
to 34 beds.

The cellblocks are separated into five pods. This pod style
allows for increased security by separating inmates according to
severity level, something that is not possible with the current
jail.

Also adding to the safety and security of the facility is
technology that allows all areas to be viewed on video and
electronically controlled.

Additionally, the jail addition includes a control room; booking
area; large work release cell; small cells for special purposes,
such as a padded cell and a holding cell; a medical exam area;
multiple visitation rooms; a separate kitchen, laundry and staff
break room; and an office for the county attorney, among other
spaces.